Reference

The A-code stamped on a cut glove tells you exactly how much blade force it survived, but only if you know how to read it. This guide decodes the ANSI/ISEA 105 A1 through A9 scale and its gram ranges, explains the TDM-100 test behind the numbers, contrasts it with the European EN 388 cut ratings, and maps each level to real tasks.

Hand injuries are among the most common and preventable workplace incidents, yet most happen because the glove never matched the hazard. This guide walks through a hazard-based process for cut, impact, chemical, heat, and abrasion risks, decodes the rating systems, and covers coatings, dexterity, and sizing so gloves get worn.

Until recently no U.S. standard rated the back-of-hand armor on impact gloves. This guide explains ANSI/ISEA 138, how impact-resistant gloves are tested, what Levels 1, 2, and 3 mean in transmitted force, why impact is separate from cut resistance, and how to choose the right level by job, from light assembly to oil and gas.

A work glove that is too loose snags in machinery and a glove that is too tight causes hand fatigue and tear-through. This guide gives the full glove size chart, shows how to measure your hand circumference and length, converts numeric sizes 6-11 to XS-XXL, and works a real sizing example across nitrile, cut-resistant, and chemical gloves.